75th Troop Anniversary

Anniversary Dinner & Eagle Scout Reunion Saturday, November 6, 2010 First Baptist Church - Gainesville, GA Table S p o n s o r s Joe and Diane Chipman Garland Reynolds Dr. and Mrs. Trevor N. Hooper The Friese Family Mr. F. Eugene Bobo Gorman and Jones Families Mr. and Mrs. William A. Bagwell The Harrison Family Dr. and Mrs. D. Hal Silcox III Gary D. Smith and Family Ben and Ginger Lancaster The Leonard Parks Family Peach State Bank and Trust Jeff Whelchel and Family John and Brenda Garrison James E. Mathis, Jr. Ralph and Mary Cleveland Foundation Scott D. Roberts & Scott W. Burch The Jack Welch Family The Christopher Family John Smith, Tyler Smith and the Law Firm of Eagle Class of 1980 Smith, Gilliam, Willams and Miles, PA Dr. and Mrs. J. Clifton Hastings

Roger Brown, Jr.

ScoutS p / o Eagle n s o rScout s F. Eugene Bobo Greg Jacobs Chris Romberg Rufus Brown David Lancaster Trip Selman Jack Butterworth Griff Law Doug Smith ,Sr. Andy Carter Harold Law Jan T. Smith Austin Edmondson Ben Lilly The Ralph Hopkins Family Lee Hemmer Jeff McIntire Richard Trotter Larry Hill Michael Moses Bob Williams Joe Howard William Partin Jeff Woodall George E. Pilgrim III

CommitteeHost Members Joan Hopkins, Chair Debbie Barton Diane Chipman Brenda Garrison Linda Gorman Amy Harrison Carolyn Mahar Jan Smith Lillian Welch Phil Dennis, Scoutmaster Trevor Hooper, Assistant Scoutmaster th 75Boy YearScout of Troop Scouting 26 First Baptist Church - Gainesville, GA 6 November 2010

4:00 pm Gathering of Eagles and Alumni Music by Mark Dowdy Eagle Scout 1981

5:30 pm Group Eagle Photograph

6:00 pm Call to Assembly

Presentation of the Colors Troop 26 Color Guard

Invocation Dr. William Coates, Jr. Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church

Evening Meal

“Roundabouts with Troop 26” 1935 – 2010 History in Photographs

Welcome and Recognition of Special Guests Harris Blackwood Master of Ceremonies

“Troop 26 -- Prepared since 1935” Early Troop History in Video

“Value of Scouting and Eagle Scout” Alvin Townley Eagle Scout and Author

Presentation of the Edward Milner Eagle Scout Class

Congratulatory Comments Robert Mazzuca Chief Scout Executive

Keynote Speaker Honorable Nathan Deal

Closing Music Compilation John D. Hopkins, Eagle Scout 1985 Michael Hopkins, Eagle Scout 1995 Ralph D. Hopkins, M.D. Mark Dowdy, Eagle Scout 1981

Benediction Jimmy Richardson Eagle Scout 1952 The EagleEdward Scout M. Class Milner - 2010 Dennis Andrew Cagle is the 16 year old son of Doug and Joanie Cagle. A junior at Heritage Academy where he plays soccer, Dennis previously attended North Georgia Christian School where he played varsity baseball and football, lettering in football his freshman and sophomore years. Beginning his Scouting trail as a Tiger Cub in Pack 262, he advanced in rank, earned the Arrow of Light in 2005, crossed over to Boy Scouts in 2005, later joining Troop 26 in 2007. He has held positions of leadership including Scribe, Chaplain’s Aide for three years, Senior Patrol Leader during a week of summer camp, and currently unit OA Representative. Dennis is very active in his church, Mountain View Baptist, where he has served as a VBS teacher and is also involved with Faith in Action at his school. His Eagle project consisted of designing, planning and installing a prayer garden at his church. After high school Dennis has plans to attend college to study aeronautics and history, with future aspirations in the Marines.

Daniel Von Danz is the eldest son of Jon and Karen Danz and has two siblings, Kevin and Christina. A freshman at the University of Georgia where he is majoring in Sports Management and Economics, he recently graduated from Riverside Military Academy with honors. While at RMA he was a member of the National Honor Society, the Tri-M Music Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and President of the Horton Society. He also competed in the track and field events of long jump and triple jump. Daniel first joined Scouting in 2004 as a part of Troop 762 at Riverside Military Academy, later transferring to Troop 26 in 2009. He has held leadership positions of Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader and Troop Guide. His Eagle Scout project consisted of the construction of a tower at RMA for observation of air-soft, paintball, and other military exercises. Daniel’s future plans are to graduate from the University of Georgia with honors, secure a career in the NFL as a sports agent, be true to himself and God, retire at age fifty and travel the world with his family.

Donald Phillip Dennis is the 18 year old son of Phil and Laurie Dennis. He has a sister Rachael and a brother David who is a Tiger Cub in Pack 26. A freshman at Covenant College, he is majoring in Philosophy and German and minoring in history. Phil lettered in soccer and basketball while attending North Georgia Christian School and there was inducted into the National Honor Society. He began his scouting career as a Tiger Cub with Pack 402 of Clearwater, FL and completed the Arrow of Light before crossing over into Troop 402. He and friend Kyle Jones are the only two of his original den to remain in Scouts and earn the rank of Eagle. Phil later transferred to Troop 456 where he served as Patrol Leader and Chaplain’s Aide. Phil joined Troop 26 in January 2007 after moving from Clearwater, Florida, to Gainesville in August 2006. During his tenure with Troop 26, he has been Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader, and Chaplain’s Aide. A Brotherhood member of the , Phil completed the NYLT program, and the following summer he was part of the NYLT staff. Phil attended the 2005 National Scout Jamboree with theWest Central Florida Council. He completed his Eagle project in January 2010, designing and leading the construction of a brick BBQ pit for his church, Anglican Church of the Holy Trinity.

Kyle Davies Friese is the 17 year old son of the late William Friese and Cheryl and Tommy Byrd. A senior at Gainesville High School, Kyle has competed in Tennis and is a member of the Key Club. Prior to that he lettered in soccer from 2005 – 2009 and varsity tennis from 2001 – 2009 while a student at Westminster/North Georgia Christian School. Kyle began his Scouting career as a Tiger Cub in Pack 370 of , earning the Arrow of Light and later joining Troop 26 in 2004. While a Troop 26 Scout he served in multiple positions of leadership including Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, Quartermaster, Scribe, and Chaplain’s Aide. An Ordeal member of Mowogo Lodge, Order of the Arrow, Kyle has also attended NYLT and JLTC training from 2005 – 2008, attended Philmont in 2008, and received the Charles W. Smith, Jr. Award in Troop 26. For his Eagle Scout Project Kyle devised, planned and supervised the construction of a courtroom exhibit at Interactive Neighborhood for Kids, a local non-profit Children’s museum. He plans to later attend college and pursue a career in the medical field.

Tyler Alexander Hooper is the 14 year old son of Trevor and Sheri Hooper and has two younger sisters, Emily and Katie. He is an eighth grader at the Hall County School System’s Da Vinci Academy and a Junior Beta Club member. With a strong interest in theatre, he has been cast member for the North Hall High School production of “Fiddler on the Roof”, North Hall Middle School production of “Willie Wonka” and most recently lead male role in Da Vinci Academy’s production of “Dear Edwina”. A second generation Eagle Scout of Troop 26, he began his Scouting career in Tiger Cub “Den One” of Pack 26 in 2003. Progressing through Cub Scouting’s ranks he ultimately earned the Arrow of Light in May 2008 and crossed over to Boy Scouting in Troop 26 where he has served in the positions of Librarian, Scribe and Den Chief. For his Eagle Scout project, Tyler devised, planned and installed an outdoor classroom or “mini-theatre” near the recently completed children’s wing of First Baptist Church. With in- ground installed benches, a stone stage and accent landscaping, this will serve as the anchor for the play area utilized by the Weekday Pre-School and children’s Sunday-School classes. After high school Tyler plans to attend college and pursue studies in mathematics and the sciences. Ricardo Javier Lopez is the 17 year old son of J. Javier Lopez and Susan M. Hanson. A senior at North Hall High School, he is enrolled in the International Baccalaureate program, a member of the National Honor Society, National Beta Club, and a member of the Thespian Society and Spanish Club. Ricardo spends countless hours training with the Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club and is currently a member of the Junior National Team training at the Olympic Training Centers in both Lake Placid, NY and Chula Vista, CA. After earning his Arrow of Light while a part of Cub Scout Pack 262, he joined Troop 26 in 2004. Since then he has served in the leadership positions of Quartermaster, Chaplain Aide, Scribe, Den Chief, Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader and Troop Guide. He has earned The World Conservation, Leave No Trace and the Historic Trails awards, the Spanish interpreter strip, the Den Chief Service award, the Charles W. Smith Jr. award and is a member of the Order of the Arrow. Ricardo recently was instrumental in forming Venture Crew 26 and is currently serving as President. For his Eagle Project he landscaped and developed existing gardens and established a veteran’s memorial for the Guest House, an adult day care facility in Gainesville. After high school he plans to attend college and pursue studies in ecology and medicine.

Mitchell Lapleau McIntire is the 14 year old son of Jeffrey and Monica McIntire and has one older sister, Megan. Mitchell is a student at Lakeview Academy where he is on the Headmaster’s list and a member of the football and baseball teams. Mitchell was a member of Pack 26 where he earned his Arrow of Light and two religious emblems, later crossing over to Troop 26 in May of 2008. He was elected Patrol Leader of the newly formed Phoenix patrol, served three terms as Patrol Leader and later was elected Senior Patrol Leader in January of 2010. A Brotherhood member of Mowogo Lodge, Mitchell has earned the World Conservation Award and the William T. Hornaday Award. He was a part of the N.E.Georgia Contingent to the 100th Anniversary Jamboree this year and hopes to visit all four high adventure bases including “The Summit” before graduating from high school. For his Eagle Project, Mitchell led a team of fifteen volunteers to rehabilitate a pioneer camp site at Victoria Bryant State Park. After high school he plans to attend college and pursue a career in the sciences.

Aaron Daniel Mullican is the 16 year old son of Dr. Morgan and Dawn Mullican of Gainesville and has three brothers, Shawn, Brandon and Josh, and sister Jennifer. A sophomore at North Hall High School, he competes on the high performance sprint kayaking team with Lanier Canoe and Kayak, having participated in this sport since 2008. His goal is to qualify for the Junior Worlds and the 2016 Olympics. Aaron joined Troop 26 in September 2006. An Ordeal member of Mowogo Lodge, Order of the Arrow, he has held Troop leadership positions of Patrol Leader, Chaplain’s Aide, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader, and Quartermaster. He is currently serving as Troop Guide. His Eagle Project was replacing and enhancing the landscaping at Interactive Neighborhood for Kids (INK) in Gainesville, GA. INK is a local non-profit where children can role play and learn through practical experiences at a variety of exhibits. After high school Aaron would like to attend a technical college and eventually run his own business.

Reid Bronson Schwartz is the 15 year old son of Richard Schwartz and Lisa Bronson. A sophomore cadet at Riverside Military Academy, he is captain of the rifle team and a member of the Jr. National Honor Society. He also enjoys travelling and scuba diving. Reid began Scouting as a part of Pack 631 at Woodward Academy, later moving on to Boy Scout Troop 631 when in the 6th grade. He was a part of Troop 762 after enrolling at RMA, later transferring to Troop 26 in 2009. He held leadership positions there as Troop Historian, Troop Scribe and Patrol Leader. Most recently he has served for two summers as a part of the Camp Rainey Mountain Staff. Reid’s Eagle project consisted of cleaning and improving a campsite located at Riverside Military Academy. He and cadet volunteers removed debris, marked the perimeter of the site and then used mulch to define different camping areas. The lake side campsite will now provide pleasurable living and camping quarters for outdoorsmen from the surrounding area as well as RMA cadets. After prep-school Reid plans to attend college and later pursue a career as an attorney.

Joseph Tedford Tyler is the 17 year old son of Mark and Laura Tyler and has one brother, Jack. A senior at Arkansas Baptist High School where he is a member of the marching band (saxophone), serves as high school chaplain, participates on the Senior High Quiz Bowl team, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Beta Club and National Honor Society. Ted completed the requirements for Eagle Scout with Troop 26 just days before his family moved to Arkansas. He joined Troop 26 in April 2004 and sat for his Eagle Board of Review on July 19, 2007. While a member of Troop 26 he held leadership positions of Den Chief, Quartermaster, Patrol Leader, and Chaplain’s Aide. His Eagle project was a landscaping and sign replacement project for Health Access Initiative, a Hall County, non-profit community health clinic that provides medical services to the uninsured. Ted will graduate in May 2011 and plans to pursue a career in Athletic Training before applying to Physical Therapy School. His dream is to attend the University of Georgia.

To order photos of tonight’s event please visit “The Event Store” at www.simpsoncustomphotography.com Edward M. Milner Ed Milner was born on May 24, 1928, in Albertville, Alabama, where his parents were schoolteachers. In 1933 following the death of his father, his mother moved back to her hometown of Gainesville, Georgia, with her two sons, aged two and five. Ed attended Candler Street grammar school and Gainesville High School where he played trumpet in the high school band, was elected president of his senior class and graduated in 1945. He was awarded a scholarship to Vanderbilt University, where he earned a degree in Chemical Engineering in 1948. He is married to Rebecca Bartlett of Nashville, Tennessee. The Milners have two sons and a daughter.

As a boy in Gainesville, Ed joined Boy Scout Troop 26. Among his Scoutmasters were Charles Thurmond, Joe Loudermilk, and F.E. Bobo. Ed advanced in Scouting, becoming the first Troop 26 Eagle Scout on December 16, 1942, later securing a Bronze Palm. Ed served as Troop Bugler and later as Junior Assistant Scoutmaster. He worked as a Den Chief for the first Cub Scout pack in Gainesville, and in 1944 he was on the original staff of Camp Mose Gordon (later “Cheonda”) of the Northeast Georgia Council and was there inducted into the Order of the Arrow.

While working with the Chemstrand Corporation, (later Monsanto Company) in Decatur, Alabama, Ed joined the adult side of Scouting, first as an Assistant District Commissioner for Leadership Training and later as District Commissioner. In 1961 Ed was invited to serve on the national ”Key Three” leadership training faculty at in Cimarron, New Mexico.

Ed Milner’s career led to experience in the technology of acrylic fibers and spandex yarns and later AstroTurf® synthetic turf. In 1988 he became President of AstroTurf Industries, Inc., a Monsanto subsidiary. Upon retirement he was honored by the NCAA Football Rules Committee, the International Hockey Federation, the International Baseball Association and the American Society for Testing and Materials.

Following retirement Ed Milner was elected President of the International Society for Sport Surface Science, based in Germany. He retired from that office in 2005. He and his wife of more than 61 years presently live on a 90-acre tree farm in Olmstedville, New York, in the Adirondack Mountains. Ed has held offices in the North Creek, New York, Rotary Club, the Gore Mountain Region Chamber of Commerce and directs the choir of the North Creek, New York, United Methodist Church.

EagleTroop Scouts 26 Edward M.Milner 1942 Thomas H. Paris 1952 Jim Mathis 1963 Guy R. Stancil 1943 James Richardson 1952 William Mike Banks 1963 Wallace A. Brown* 1944 Carl B. Romberg, II* 1952 George Michael Elton 1964 Edgar H. Chambers 1946 Doug Smith 1952 Rodney Ollis Elton 1964 Edward T. Parks III 1946 Perry Whatley* 1953 John Cleveland 1964 Leland Rew* 1946 Charles Whitworth 1953 Daniel F. Michael 1965 Ferris S. Wing 1948 Howell Mendenhall* 1954 Sanford G. Michael 1965 John E James 1948 Mark R. Bell, II 1955 P.L. “Bud” Holcomb, III 1966 Charles Brice* 1949 Gayle Dunlap 1955 Wentworth “Sonny” Durkee 1966 John D. “Jack”Adams 1950 Harold Law 1955 Greg F. Mathis 1968 Billy Collins* 1950 Fred Tibbetts* 1955 Phil Mathis 1968 John Preston 1950 Joe O. Bailey 1956 Michael Chambers 1968 Garland Reynolds 1950 Rufus Brown 1956 Gregory L. Freeman 1968 Allen Carter 1950 Martin H. Schrage 1957 Terry N. Freeman 1968 Leonard L. Parks 1950 Charles K. Edmondson 1957 Greg Jacobs 1968 William E. Hood 1950 Robert E. Williams 1957 Anthony P. Underwood 1970 Robert J. Reynolds 1950 Paul Kenneth Hall 1957 Nat Padget 1971 Jim Lilly* 1950 Fred R. Knickerbocker 1959 Howard T. “Bo” Walpole 1971 Ennis Moore* 1950 Douglas Howington* 1960 Glen C. Collins 1971 Clarence Kenneth Spaulding 1951 James Ray Lovett 1961 Jim Lloyd 1972 Jack E. Butterworth 1952 John M. Merritt 1961 Jep Padget 1972 James Andy Carter 1952 Garland H. Glaze 1962 Roger H. Brown 1972 Austin Edmondson 1952 Larry W. Hill 1963 Rodney F. Banks 1972 Albert Hardy* 1952 John Allen Irvin 1963 Rickie J. Freeman 1972 Hugh W. Hosch 1952 Richard Trotter 1963 Joe M. Howard 1972 Ben E. Lilly 1952 Harold L. Gibbs 1963 Henry Chambers III 1973 Mike Moses 1973 Bradley Grant 1983 Richard A. Myers 1994 David Reesman 1973 Brian A. Bishop 1983 Edward P. Rigel 1994 Richard Cosgrove 1974 Andrew E. Pirkle 1983 Morgan Crace 1995 Ronnie Cosgrove 1974 Jeff W. Whitaker 1983 Justin P. Fisher 1995 Steven G. Gusefski 1974 Stephen M. Jacobs 1983 Brian Gerwig 1995 Jon Helms* 1974 Gregory S. Moehlich 1983 Chan Glover 1995 Don D. Stewart 1975 Griff Law 1983 Philip L. Griffith 1995 Harry F. Bagwell 1975 David W. McKoy 1984 Michael Hopkins 1995 William H. Edwards 1975 Kevin Gordon McKoy 1984 Ryan Ivey 1995 Randall J. Phillips 1976 Patman Lester 1984 Mark Hopkins 1996 Mark Andrew Harman 1976 David R. Gorman 1984 Nathaniel Humphrey 1996 Jeffrey R. Black 1977 William D. Partin 1984 Nicholas Mask 1996 Christopher W. Freeman 1977 Jay Yearwood 1984 Robert Riley 1996 Benjamin Hulsey 1977 Chad L. Campbell 1984 Matthew Barton 1997 Joe F. Ragland 1977 Kevin Cooper 1984 Brandon O’Steen 1997 Hal Silcox 1977 David H. Lancaster 1985 Brooks J. O’Steen 1997 Scott W. Burch 1978 Jeff S. Woodall 1985 Carl Smith 1997 Robert E. Freeman 1978 David M. Anderson 1985 Michael Cleveland 1998 Lee Harrell 1978 Jim M. Harrison 1985 Scott Cleveland 1998 Bob Jennings* 1978 John D. Hopkins 1985 Brett Farkas 1998 Horace S. Jennings 1978 Britt S. Hulsey 1985 Ty Hagler 1998 Robert Matthews 1978 San Maurice McFalls 1985 Brandon Reeves 1998 David Shockley 1978 Travis Towe 1985 Marcelo Arteaga 1998 Ricky Shockley 1978 John C. Thompson 1985 Eric S. Johnson 1998 Mark L. Brannon 1978 David Adam Taylor 1985 Andrew Ariail 1999 Paul Burel 1978 Scott W. Christopher 1986 Ryan A. Fisher 1999 Gerald H. Cresap 1978 David Russell Stewart 1986 Robert Lott 1999 Larry Long 1978 Ashley B. Peck 1987 Ryan McGehee 1999 Tim E. Miskotten 1978 Alan W. Broome 1987 James P. Simons 1999 Nath Morris 1978 Christopher H. Broome 1987 Matthew A. Sloan 1999 Gary D. Smith 1978 Steven R. Shaw 1987 Chris Castner 2000 Marty Sykes 1978 William Bagwell 1987 Mack H. “Dutch” Guest, IV 2000 Benjamin L. White 1978 John F. White 1988 Jason Scott Lovell 2000 Scott D. Roberts 1979 Trevor Gorman 1988 Richard A. Riley 2000 William Tom Langston 1979 Doug Chipman 1988 Steven Chase Souther 2000 Christopher W. Waldrip 1979 David Hopkins 1988 Ian Forrest 2001 Clifford M. Hoppman 1979 Mike Jones 1989 Clint Hamlin 2001 Daniel C. Rabb 1979 Jeff Williams 1989 Cliff Humphrey 2001 John M. Roberts 1979 Chris Glover 1989 Miles Matthews 2001 Mark R. Bell, III 1980 Matthew J. Mahar 1989 Nick McCormac 2001 Robert S. Bell 1980 Hugh Lambert 1989 Patrick Moore 2001 Robert Preston Bowen 1980 Brian Mathis 1990 Eric Stephenson 2001 Greg D. Frankum 1980 Eric Owens 1990 Caleb Humphrey 2002 William H. Stephens 1980 Bill H. “Bobby” Miller, III 1990 Alex Newsom 2002 Tracy G. Wright 1980 Brett Sosebee 1990 Steven Sloan 2002 Stanley G. Stewart 1980 Peyton Young 1990 David Duncan 2003 Wes L. Bishop 1980 Craig M. Broome 1990 David Kenneth Lott 2003 Jeff Whelchel 1980 Garrett Christopher 1990 Clayton Tyler Lovell 2003 Brian K. Rochester 1980 James Crawford 1990 Bill D. Simons 2003 Joseph D. Weber 1980 Mark Garrison 1990 Jared McDougle 2004 William Stacy Campbell, II 1981 Owen Welch 1990 Ric Newsom 2004 Brian Mike O’Quinn* 1981 Mark England 1991 Matt Turner 2004 Mark E. Dowdy 1981 Marshall Heard 1991 Andrew Furey 2004 Tim H. Black 1981 Brian West 1991 Ted Tyler 2007 Robert M. Boetz 1981 Carl Williams 1991 Mason Roszel 2007 Bryan A. Parker 1981 Michael Lancaster 1992 James Halliley 2007 Douglas E. Smith, Jr. 1981 Dennis (Lee) Whitfield 1992 Justin Hadden 2007 Leonard Howell Coleman, III 1981 John Haynes 1992 Kyle Davies Friese 2008 Jason W. Peck 1981 Corban Davies 1992 Ricardo Lopez 2009 Rocky A. Stargel 1981 B.J. Olejnik 1992 Phil Dennis 2010 Brian D. Huey 1981 Carlton Forrester 1992 Daniel Danz 2010 Rodney E. Sykes 1981 Michael Chipman 1992 Mitchell L. McIntire 2010 Joel Broxton 1981 Robby Roberts 1992 Aaron D. Mullican 2010 Trevor N. Hooper 1982 Matthew S. Fisher 1993 Dennis A. Cagle 2010 William Bell 1982 Warren J. Welch 1993 Reid Bronson Schwartz 2010 Jason White 1982 Micah J. Garrison 1993 Tyler A. Hooper 2010 Jesse A. Carter 1982 Andrew H. Mahar 1994 * deceased ScoutmastersTroop 26 J.N. Reed* 1935 - 1936 Howell R. Mendenhall* 1967 - 1968 Charles J. Thurmond* 1937 - 1938 R. Fleming Weaver 1969 - 1981 F. Eugene Bobo 1939 - 1942 Reuben Black 1982 Jack C. Bell* 1943 Howell R. Mendenhall* 1983 Edward T. Parks, II* 1944 Jan R. Gorman 1984 - 1988 F.Eugene Bobo 1945 - 1955 John C.Williams 1989 - 1990 James E. Mathis* 1956 - 1960 Edward P. Rigel 1990 - 1995 James Odell Howington* 1961 - 1962 Jim Walter 1995 Garland Reynolds 1963 Charles Smith* 1995 - 1998 John K. Sparks 1964 Steve Humphrey 1998 - 2002 John C. Hastings 1965 Mike Newsom 2002 - 2008 William R. Harris* 1966 Phil Dennis 2008 - present

* deceased “It ’s Only a Pin” by S. Kurtz Hingley

A fond mother watches her boy where he stands Apart from his comrades tonight, As they place on his camp-battered tunic, a badge... An Eagle, the emblem of right. It seems just a few short months have passed Since he joined with the youngster next door... How proud he was then of his Tenderfoot Pin As they told of the message it bore. But the years have gone as he struggled along To learn what the Scout law’s about; He practiced them daily, the Oath and the law Until now, he’s an Eagle Scout. You may smile in your worldly old wisdom at this And say, “Why, it’s only a pin.” But I tell you no honors he’ll gain as a man Will mean quite as much to him. The Red, White and Blue of the ribbon you see Are the symbols of honor and truth. He has learned how to value these fine attributes In the glorious days of youth. And the outflinging wings of the eagle that rests On the breast of this Knight of Today, Are the things which will lift him above petty deeds And guide him along the right way... Yes, it’s only a pin, just an Eagle Scout Badge, But the heart that’s beneath it beats true And will throb to the last for the things which are good, A lesson for me.. and for you.